Enhancing anticancer activity of macrophages through rational drug combinations

J Clin Invest. 2024 May 1;134(9):e180512. doi: 10.1172/JCI180512.

Abstract

Targeting tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is an emerging approach being tested in multiple clinical trials. TAMs, depending on their differentiation state, can exhibit pro- or antitumorigenic functions. For example, the M2-like phenotype represents a protumoral state that can stimulate tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, therapy resistance, and immune evasion by expressing immune checkpoint proteins. In this issue of the JCI, Vaccaro and colleagues utilized an innovative drug screen approach to demonstrate that targeting driver oncogenic signaling pathways concurrently with anti-CD47 sensitizes tumor cells, causing them to undergo macrophage-induced phagocytosis. The combination treatment altered expression of molecules on the tumor cells that typically limit phagocytosis. It also reprogrammed macrophages to an M1-like antitumor state. Moreover, the approach was generalizable to tumor cells with different oncogenic pathways, opening the door to precision oncology-based rationale combination therapies that have the potential to improve outcomes for patients with oncogene-driven lung cancers and likely other cancer types.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • CD47 Antigen* / antagonists & inhibitors
  • CD47 Antigen* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Macrophages / drug effects
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Phagocytosis / drug effects
  • Tumor-Associated Macrophages* / drug effects
  • Tumor-Associated Macrophages* / immunology
  • Tumor-Associated Macrophages* / metabolism

Substances

  • CD47 Antigen
  • CD47 protein, human